Introduction

With home affordability at record highs and rents on the rise, investors are flocking to housing. The National Association of Realtors estimates investors accounted for 27% of home sales in 2011â??up from 17% in 2010. Many are looking for a long-term, stable income playâ??something paying more than the 2% current yield on ten-year Treasurys. Goldman Sachs economists estimate that rental properties yield more than 6% on average nationwide. Even Warren Buffett lauds distressed single-family homes as an attractive investment now. Considering plunking money into real estate yourself? Here are some pointers.